The 2nd Malatya International Film Festival organised by World Mass Media Research Foundation with the support of the Malatya Apricot Research, Development and Promotion Foundation and Malatya Governor Ulvi Saran has started with a magnificent opening ceremony last night.

Followed by dinner which was hosted by main media sponsors, A Haber and Sabah Newspaper at the Remark Hill Hotel, the red carpet ceremony began with a speech by the Honorary President of the festival and the Malatya Governor Ulvi Saran. Mr. Saran expressed the importance of the art in economic and social development of the societies. He said "The film festivals have become one of the biggest and most important cultural events for promoting the cities. They also improve the social life and support the local art for the community. In its second year of MIFF, we are aiming to make our festival a continuous tradition and attraction for everyone." He also added "This year at the festival, we will also discuss the issues of the cinema industry such as copyright at our international symposiums and workshops."

Turkish Cinema's famous names, Ms. Hulya Kocyigit, Mr. Ediz Hun attended to the opening gala to receive their Honorary Awards for their outstanding contribution in cinema.  Turkish cinema's ‘Ageless ‘actor Mr. Cuneyt Arkin also received his ‘Lifetime Achievement Award' last night at the ceremony held at the Malatya Congress and Culture Centre. International Feature Film competition juries;  Mithat Alam, Roger Christian, Ludek Drizhal, Shahla Nahid and Andrea Roberti also attended the evening.

At the gala, in his speech Malatya Mayor Ahmet Cakir said "Cinema tells the historical and philosophical development of the humanity and it brings communities together. I am very pleased to be holding an International Film Festival in Malatya."